Many many years ago (in issue #12 to be precise) we reviewed a wonderful
and heavily Beatles influenced psychedelic pop album titled Kindergarten
by Norwegian trio The Last James. Haakon Ellingsen was one of two
primary composers in that band, and though a lot of time and other
musical experiences have transpired in the years since, his latest album
Bounty in many ways picks up where that previous endeavor left off.
It's definitely a more solo oriented work, with somewhat less dense
instrumental structure, but the compositional spirit and arrangements
are every bit as brilliant and playful, fusing elements of pop, psych,
and folk with strong classical sensibilities. Ellingsen handles lead
vocals, guitars, keyboards and mandolin, joined by six other musicians
covering additional keyboards and guitars, sax, flute, drums, bass, and
prominently featured cello. Ketil Vestrum Einarsen handles those cello
arrangements, the woodwinds, keys and harmony vocals. Once again, the
result is an absolutely wondrous and magical mix of great songs and
lyrics, with subtle hooks at every turn. With inspiration to spare,
nothing here is derivative. The only questionable inclusion comes at the
very end with "Music Man," a track that was recorded in 1978 — perhaps
his earliest recording ever (and certainly recorded under primitive
conditions); it's an interesting bit, but closes this otherwise perfect
disc in an odd way. Still, I give Bounty nine thumbs up and recommend finding a copy quick, before this one goes out of print too.

Latest news

2019-01-11Jazz Composer Mark Lomax, II Releases Epic 12CD Set –
In addition to being a fine jazz drummer, Dr. Mark Lomax, II is a composer in residence at Ohio State University, where he has been very busy on the compositional front. The year 2019 is the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first ship bringing African slaves to North America, and in commemoration of this, Lomax has produced 400: An Afrikan Epic, a 12 volume set of CDs featuring a variety of different musical ensembles. »
Read more

2019-01-02Chicago-Based Surabhi Ensemble Tours the World in January –
Surabhi Ensemble was formed more than a decade ago in Chicago with the aim of bringing together musicians from varying traditions to make music. Saraswathi Ranganathan, who plays veena, assembled a cast that includes Arabic oud, Spanish guitar, and percussion from Africa and India. This month, the group will be sharing their sounds with concert-goers in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa. »
Read more

2018-12-23Seaprog Festival Seeks Donations –
Seaprog is a small festival in Seattle that highlights creative music from many genres with artists from around the world. It's also a US non-profit organization. They're seeking donations to help keep the ball rolling. Starting in 2013, the organization has been growing, and has featured such artists as Free Salamander Exhibit, Jack o' the Clock, Nik Turner, Cabezas de Cera, Miriodor, Thinking Plague, and many more. »
Read more

2018-11-16The Seventeenth Dream of Dr Sardonicus Festival Tickets Now Available –
Fruits de Mer Records and their merry crew of psychedelic explorers are getting set to present the next The Seventeenth Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival. The dates are set for August 2-4, 2019 at The Cellar Bar in Cardigan, Wales. They've also announced that the legendary Groundhogs will top the bill. »
Read more

2018-11-02Charles O'Meara (C.W. Vrtacek) RIP –
A true musical original has left us. Charles O'Meara, who recorded under the name C.W. Vrtacek, was a wild-card musical talent, ranging from complex progressive rock to introspective modern compositions, with stops at many places inbetween. »
Read more